Final Workshop Report Nov

8/6/2019 Final Workshop Report Nov

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MPEDA / NaCSA NACA COLLOBORATIVE PROJECT ON GROUP

CERTIFICATION OF AQUA SOCITIES

REPORT OF THE FINAL

WORKSHOP ON GROUP

CERTIFICATION OF AQUA

SOCIETIES27 th & 28 th October, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India


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Summary:

The project workshop finalized the Guidelines/methodology, road map, and other related

documents on Group certification of aqua societies. A detailed analysis on the pilot testing of group

certification guidelines/methodology was made, limitations were identified and solutions explored.

The workshop acknowledged that the MPEDA / NaCSA NACA collaborative project had made

important progress on developing and pilot testing the group certification concept, methodology

and emphasized the need to continue the journey to attain better marketing by addressing the

limitations identified. The workshop realized that the economic success of aquaculture depends on

the ability of small scale operators not only in sustainable production but also in marketing the same

for commensurate prices in global markets through appropriate value chain linkages (e.g. using the

market intelligence of the processor combined with group certification for small scale producers).

One of the processors who had participated in the workshop has come forward with an offer to

work with a few aqua societies in pursuing this next step of linking small producers more directly to

the market. The workshop agreed that it would be very valuable now to proceed to the next stage

of developing linkages of selected small scale farmer clusters/groups to the global market through

interested processors in the efforts towards empowerment of small scale aqua farmers. A concept

proposal on linking small scale farmer clusters to markets through cluster certification has been

developed for consideration by MPEDA and other stakeholders.

Key Recommendations: Considering the global developments with certification programs and the need to comply

with mandatory and voluntary standards, the workshop strongly recommended that MPEDA/NaCSA and NACA should continue the present work on group/cluster certification and provide technical support to small scale farmer clusters/societies in order to build their capacity and prepare them for participation in group certification programs in future.

Considering the importance of ICS in any group certification program, the workshop recommended that the project partners develop a strong training program on ICS and implement the training in a structured manner so that the capacity of ICS committees is significantly strengthened

Recognizing the importance of BMP adoption through cluster management approach and the efficient functioning of ICS to comply with standards (mandatory and voluntary), the workshop recommended that the project partners implement a systematic compliance analysis program in place so that selected clusters can be monitored and evaluated for compliance to standards and compliance to ICS functioning.

Considering the globalization of trade coupled with consumers awareness on the product quality (food safety, traceability), need for responsible aquaculture (adoption of BMPs, reducing social and environmental impacts) and strategy on linking producers and processers towards efficient marketing of produce (win win business relationship) the workshop strongly recommended that small scale farmers must be linked to modern markets so as to remain competitive and sustainable

Recognizing the value of supply chain integration, role of processors, niche markets, ecosystem marketing concepts, etc, the workshop strongly recommended that NACA


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develop a long term project on linking small scale farmers to modern markets through group certification for funding consideration by MPEDA/NaCSA

Considering the need to motivate small scale farmers to prepare for group certification, the workshop suggested that as a promotional gesture in the initial stages, Government may consider incentives in the form of equipment, capital, and infrastructure for groups willing to participate in the project.

Recognizing the value of documents (e.g. group certification guidelines, road map for group certification, brochure, training manual on group certification, etc) produced under the project, the workshop recommended that the documents be made available widely within India and in the region. The workshop strongly endorsed the idea that NaCSA should use the documents in their ongoing programs to build capacity of clusters/societies on ICS functioning and group certification

The workshop strongly recognized the need for other key stakeholders (e.g. ICAR institutions, Fisheries Colleges, CAA) to be more closely involved with MPEDA/NaCSA/NACA in promoting the concept of BMP adoption through group/cluster management approach and group certification programs so as to benefit the small scale farmers of India


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1.1. Background

Aquaculture contributes substantially to human food basket besides providing livelihood, economic viability and overall sustainability to coastal and inland communities. Aquaculture is highly diverse activity and consists of many species,

systems, practices, people, environments and operations. Aquaculture products are perishable with a short shelf life; therefore distribution skills and production planning have to be honed to meet market demands. In a global village where products travel longer, the risks become more prevalent and complex. The increasing awareness on traceability, food safety / security demands focus on product quality characterized by efficient farm management practices in relation to surrounding environment besides social issues.

Certification is a formal recognition of produce conforming to the standard specified

by

the

certification

programme.

Sharing

the

food

production

guidelines

with

growers,

food producers and retailers specifying how food is grown and what has been used to produce it is an important contribution to the harmonization of trade enabling clear and transparent processes. Thus CERTIFICATION is seen as a tool of Communication between the primary producer and the end consumer enabling primary producer economic freedom with social responsibility.

1.2. MPEDA/NACA Technical Cooperation

Since the year 2000, NACA has been extending technical assistance and co operation

to MPEDA for developing and implementing Better Management Practices (BMP) for shrimp aquaculture. Village demonstration pogrammes on Shrimp Disease Control in India was taken up jointly by NACA / MPEDA during the years 2002 to 2006 by organizing small scale farmers into self help groups known as Aqua clubs for adoption of Better Management Practices. The programme contributed significantly towards reduction in disease related losses and cost of production besides improvement of yield and shrimp quality (free of antibiotic, traceability). Further, the results have encouraged many small scale farmers in several maritime states of India to come forward towards formation of many aqua clubs and adopt BMPs for mutual

benefit.

MPEDA has institutionalized the Aqua clubs in to Aqua Societies, and has formed NaCSA, an outreach organization of MPEDA to cater to the scientific extension needs, primarily based on Better Management Practices (BMPs), of the shrimp farmers in India. As of date over 700 farmer societies, comprising of 15,753 aqua farmers covering an area of over 16,126 ha is operational. NaCSA is primarily engaged in facilitating farmer group organization and promotion of BMP adoption.


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1.3. NACA MPEDA/NaCSA Collaborative programme on certification of Aqua societies:

The long term objective of NACA MPEDA / NaCSA collaborative project is to enable small scale farmers to adopt sustainable and environment friendly farming practices

to produce quality and safe shrimps for domestic market and export. In this regard, NaCSA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NACA, seeking NACAs Technical expertise to assist Indian Small Scale Aqua farmers to adopt better practices and access markets. The MoU covers implementation of a Project on CLUSTER CERTIFICATION aimed at Group certification of Shrimp Aqua Society based on International guidelines for Aquaculture certification.

2. Project objective:

The project objective was to develop guidelines and methodology for group

certification of aqua societies; and take up pilot testing in three identified aqua societies in order to develop a practical system for quality assurance and prepare the societies to seek group certification of their choice from the existing third party certification Programs.

3. Purpose of final workshop:

The objective of this final project workshop was to review and evaluate The progress made on the pilot testing of certification

guidelines/methodology in three identified societies and to formulate the plan of follow up action

To review and finalize the following documents developed in the project for wider dissemination in India by NaCSA and in the Asian region by NACA

Guidelines/methodology on group certification of aqua societies ( English & Telugu version)

Road map (containing compiled reference standards) for pilot testing of certification guidelines

Pond Data Register (PDR) to comply with the road map and guidelines

Cluster certification brochure Training manual on Group certification of aqua societies

To develop strategies and follow up plan of action on expansion of activities on aqua society certification to other societies & way forward

4. Participants: There were 60 participants at the workshop. Stakeholders who attended the work shop included; Leaders of the pilot tested aqua societies, selected leaders of


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other Aqua Societies, representatives of Certifying bodies, processors cum exporters, representatives of shrimp hatchery operators, Researchers from ICAR institutions (CIBA, CIFA) and state Agricultural universities (College of Fisheries from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh), representatives from MPEDA, NaCSA, NACA, NFDB, CAA, state fisheries departments and other organizations.

The list of the participants is provided in Annex 1.

5. Process:

5.1. Opening ceremony:

The chairperson of MPEDA Ms.Leena Nair, IAS inaugurated the workshop; Commissioner of Fisheries Government of Andhra Pradesh Dr. Manmohan Singh, IAS, graced the occasion.

Mr. N.R.Umesh, CEO of NaCSA welcomed the participants and thanked both MPEDA

and NACA for the collaborative efforts in all fronts and in carrying out the pilot testing

of the methodology of Group certification in identified societies.

Dr.C.V. Mohan, R &D Manager of NACA extended a warm welcome to all and gave a detailed background on the MPEDA / NaCSA NACA collaboration leading to the pilot testing of the methodology of group certification. He added that the Guideline document, road map, brochure, training manual have been revised based on the inferences of the Pilot testing and are proposed to be finalized during the workshop.

Since

the

guideline

and

road

map

document

are

independent

of

commodities

and

the

Certification programme, these could be used by any aqua society to prepare small scale farmers to access better markets through the concept of group/cluster/society certification

Dr.Manmohan Singh, Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh in his address highlighted the importance of food safety and how certification programs could provide the required quality assurance to consumers. He added that it is a matter of pride that activities on Aquaculture group Certification has been initiated

and

made

considerable

progress

in

the

state

of

Andhra

Pradesh

compared

to

any

other maritime states.

The chairperson, MPEDA inaugurated the workshop by lighting the lamp. In her inaugural address, she mentioned that the formation of aqua societies is a social movement at the grass root level and the progress made so far leading to pilot testing of Group certification methodologies is a mile stone in development of responsible and pro active aquaculture. She congratulated both NaCSA and NACA for the efforts in fulfilling the set objectives of collaborative project and added that she is


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looking forward to the outcome / recommendations of the workshop to chalk out the plan of follow up action.

Mr.M.Kalyanaraman, Coordinator of the cluster certification project, thanked MPEDA, NACA and NaCSA for the opportunity given to him to implement the project and the

farmers for the cooperation extended during pilot testing of the group certification guidelines. The technical sessions were held as per the agenda (Annex 2).

5.2. Session 1: Guidelines on the Group Certification of Aqua societies (by Mr. Kalyanaraman)

With the market driven by the consumers, there is every possibility that certification may become mandatory in the near future; it is therefore the endeavor of the project partners to empower the small scale aqua farmers and build their capacity such that they are not marginalized to face the market challenge. The guideline document will enable the small scale farmers efficient understanding of the concept of group certification and help prepare them for participation in future third party Group certification programs.

The document guidelines on group certification is the key output of the MPEDA / NaCSA NACA collaborative project on group certification of aqua societies. The presentation defined certification, the challenges faced by small scale farmers in certification (compliance and accessibility), the difficulty in individual certification (small land holdings thus prohibitively cost expensive) and the advantages of Group certification for small scale farmers.

The Guideline document provides 18 key steps comprising of 2 parts towards attainment of group certification. Part 1 (steps 1 to 7) deals with group formation. It is the basic minimum requirement to seek for group certification emphasizing the unity or grouping of the small scale farmers through the formation of Aqua Society and attaining legal status through requisite approval / registration from National agencies. The work carried out by MPEDA / NaCSA in forming the aqua societies thus setting the platform to work on the Group certification is acknowledged.

Part 2 (steps 8 18) describes the actual process involved in Group certification {identification of certification programme, assessment of capacities, understanding the standard, formation & functioning of Internal Control System (ICS) committee}.ICS is to ensure monitoring and compliance (both by individual farmers and the society as a group) with the standards set by the certification programme. Internal inspection forms means of introspection in assessment of extent of compliance with the


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standard and the external audit (by the certifying body) is to evaluate the efficiency of functioning of ICS. Based on the external audit report, the Certification Programme issues Group certification with or without conditions. The guideline document was translated into local language and the Telugu version has been distributed to participating farmers.

5.2.1. Observations and issues brought up during discussions:

The farmer representatives of the Aqua societies participated in the workshop expressed satisfaction on the information contained in Guidelines (that too in local language) enabling complete understanding of the subject.

Various stakeholders participating in the workshop complimented that guideline document is well set in describing the various steps involved in Group certification and would be very useful tool not only to farmers but also for others to understand the concept and prepare small scale farmer groups for participation in future Group certification programs.

The workshop agreed that the guideline document (both English and Telugu versions) is comprehensive and by consensus approved the document and suggested that it be used for capacity and awareness building of farmer groups by NaCSA, MPEDA and other interested stakeholders.

5.3. Session: 2 Pilot testing of Group Certification guidelines (by Mr. Kalyanaraman)

The analysis on the pilot testing on Group certification guidelines/methodology by the identified aqua societies was the key presentation and hand out of the presentation had been distributed to all the participants. It was categorically stated that the objective of the analysis was to evaluate the extent of compliance to reference standards, functioning of the ICS, identify the limitations and develop strategies to overcome the limitations, thus preparing the aqua societies to participate in future group certification programs.

The participants were briefed about the phases of MPEDA NACA collaboration leading to Pilot testing on Group certification (emphasizing the focus on marketing) and the importance of Group certification as a tool of communication between small scale primary producers and the consumers. A list on the various components of Group certification to be complied with (legal, ICS functioning, adoption of BMPs, food safety, traceability, adequate documentation, social and environmental) was drawn and comparative evaluation on the extent of compliance by each (identified) aqua society was made.


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The compliance on legal aspects, food safety measures and social issues were in order and acknowledged. ICS functioning was found to be ineffective during pilot testing, with inadequate documentation and particularly lack of supporting documents on the Traceability. With regard to adoption of BMPs, the observed anomalies were brought to the notice of the farmers on the following: 1) Multi candidate species in one

society 2) Seed source (not from MPEDA recognized hatcheries) 3) Stocking density (not in relation to CAA license) 4) Sporadic measurement of water quality parameters on pond water and lack of measurement on water source and the discharge water 5) Inadequate bio security measures.

On the environmental issues, it was observed that keeping in view of the average production and FCR (Food conversion ratio) recorded at each of the identified societies, the Nitrogen and Phosphorous release in discharge water per ton of shrimp production is below the levels suggested. However it was reiterated the need for the periodical measurement of the water quality parameters of the discharge water besides documenting the same in requisite formats in Pond Data Register.

Summarizing the presentation it was mentioned that the pilot testing has identified the following needs.

1) Motivation of farmers by creating awareness 2) Adequate training on ICS & Group Certification for farmers and ICS teams in

local language at the farm 3) Appointment of society coordinator in each of the societies so as to assist the

societies towards measurement of hydrographical parameters & to ensure maintenance of requisite documentation

4) Continuity in monitoring and assistance towards compliance with the reference standard in three identified societies besides exploring the possibility of covering more aqua societies for group certification.

5.3.1. Observations and issues brought up during discussions: The representatives of the identified aqua societies participated in the meeting

recorded their concurrence on the pilot testing analysis report; reiterated that the group certification is certainly a leap in the forward direction towards better market accessibility and stated that they sincerely look forward to the cooperation of MPEDA/ NaCSA NACA alliance in extending the project and to fulfill their requirements as stated in summary of the presentation.

Farmers pointed out the difficulty in getting the declaration from both hatchery and feed manufacturers on the seed / feed quality respectively mentioning issues such as free of banned antibiotics and chemicals


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Hatchery operators replied that such declarations could be given based on the request by the farmers stating the purpose.

The hatchery operators brought to the notice of the participants that the qualitative and quantitative decline on the wild caught P.monodon broodstock and the corresponding influence on the seed quality. SPF broodstock is the means to improve the quality of PL, and requested the National agencies to look in to this and to make available the SPF of P.monodon broodstock to hatchery operators.

It was informed that efforts are on towards the development of SPF brood stock at Andaman (by R & D wing of MPEDA) and would be made available probably in couple of years.

The printing on the feed bag by few feed manufacturers that feed is free of antibiotics and banned chemicals were brought to the discussion enquiring whether this could be treated as a declaration. It was reiterated that this is not adequate and documentary evidence is essential to fulfill the requirements of Certification Programme.

The participants comprising of various categories have acknowledged the immense efforts that has gone in to the Pilot testing and strongly recommended continuation of the project to assist small scale farmers to overcome the identified limitations in preparing them towards achieving the group certification.

The stake holders reiterated that the major thrust to be given in capacity building by providing requisite training in ICS & Group certification in adequate dosages in local language at the farm; any break in the process would dilute the awareness on Group certification and the starting has to be from scratch.

Many stake holders expressed the need to link the programme with processors to equip the farmers on market information on the candidate species, size, market price etc., enabling the farmers to be well prepared prior to commencement of culture operation.

Reacting to this one of the processors who had participated in the workshop mentioned that they are willing to work closely with aqua societies in bringing

the

so

called

market

intelligence

subject

to

commitment

by

farmers

(on

both

quality & quantity) towards mutual benefit.

5.4. Session: 3 Linking small scale farmers to modern markets success story from Thailand (by Dr CV Mohan)

The presentation unfolded the story on how small scale farmers of Thai Samroiyod shrimp farming Cooperative are participating in the modern market chains. The objective of the presentation was to set an example and to generate interest among


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the Indian small scale farmers aqua societies, processors to explore the possibility of working together in this regard. The presentation dealt the following as background information; basic goals of farmer, requirements of the society, market consumer trends and linked to certification and stated that aquaculture is characterized by the production intensification and continued diversification thus necessitating better

governance. The presentation highlighted certification as a means of market access and to build business relationship.

The presentation outlined on the various certification schemes (Governmental, private and producer originated) and stated that for the small scale farmer certification is of costly affair (fees plus compliance on certification). The presentation mentioned the challenges faced by small scale farmers and stressed the need for Group certification to reduce the cost.

The presentation mentioned the Characteristics of Thai Samroiyod shrimp farming Cooperative as follows:

Registered with Ministry of Agriculture and co operative Conduct meeting regularly Constituted Internal Control System (ICS) Compliance to Thai GAP + Importer requirements Audit by Thai Government Labeling by Marks & Spencer Product exported and sold in European Union

The presentation reiterated importance of value chain; the need to have partnership with processors / buyers/retailers as in Thailand; The Samroyit society cluster selling to the Thai processor (Sea fresh) who in turn sells to European buyer (Aquastar) and then to the retailer (Marks & Spencer).

The presentation suggested that for the small scale farmers the best means of addressing the market challenges being the adoption of BMPs, formation of clusters and group certification of aquaculture clusters to achieve the following:

Economy of scale Reduce cost and efforts of certification Enabling the participation of small scale farmers in modern markets


Participants showed keen interest to understand the concept of linking primary small scale producers to the markets and requested the National agencies to look in to


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similar models and explore the possibilities of linking Indian aqua societies to the global markets in this direction.

5.5. Session: 4 Functioning of ICS during pilot testing (by Mr. Kalyanaraman)

A comparison was drawn; ICS for Group certification to that of Brain to human being. ICS wields influence on group certification; therefore understanding of ICS is pre requisite towards seeking group certification. The presentation dealt on the following issues as back ground information towards understanding of ICS.

The certification system (standard, conformity assessment and accredititation) Impact, principle, criteria, indicator and standard Individual certification & Group certification and the impact on cost, efforts and

compliance.

The presentation highlighted that the main function of ICS is to ensure the compliance of all members of the group with the standards of the chosen certification programme. The presentation dealt elaborately on the formation of ICS committee and outlined the duties and functions of ICS Committee members in detail. The participants were informed that detailed account of the subject is given in the guideline document.

The presentation gave an account on the kind of information disseminated to members of the identified aqua societies on ICS through lectures, interactive dialogues, power point presentation, documents etc., enabling thorough understanding on the subject by the farmers.

A comparitative evaluation of ICS functioning in the three identified aqua societies was made; right from ICS committee formation, number of meetings held, members participation in meetings, agenda of the meetings, formation of Internal auditors, internal auditing etc., which revealed several grey areas thus it was observed and recorded that the ICS functioning requires a thorough overhaul.

Exploring the reasons on the inadequate functioning of ICS, the presentation pointed out the following:

Lack of motivation of farmers (economic / infrastructure development incentives)

Limited time (6 9 months) for the farmers to understand the concept and implement the same

Engagement of aqua farmers in other professional activities {i) agriculture (paddy / pulses / tobacco cultivation) ii) business}


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Pond holding pattern in aqua society Lack of society coordinator

The presentation recommended further training on ICS to farmers and suggested extension/ continuance of the project for at least another 2 to 3 years facilitating the

small farmers to bring in practice of ICS as habit.


The farmer representatives who had participated in the work shop categorically requested for additional training exclusively on ICS (way to conduct the meetings, ways to efficiently run the activities of ICS) in local languages at their farm.

They added that the timing on pilot testing was probably very shorter period for them to understand and subsequently implement ICS; besides, the lack of society coordinator was certainly a limiting factor particularly towards documentation, measurement of hydrographical parameters, recording the minutes of the meeting etc.,

The farmers while confirming their willingness to cooperate on the Certification programme, requested MPEDA NaCSA to address their limitations.

Imparting of training to the small scale farmers on ICS and Group certification was emphasized by all the stake holders. Faculty from the Fisheries colleges of Muthukur (Andhra), Tuticorin, CIBA and representatives of certifying bodies have offered their assistance towards capacity building of the farmers in this regard.

5.6. Session: 5 Facilitated open discussions

Open discussion was facilitated by NACA and NaCSA. Views and opinions were solicited from all the stakeholders. The following key observations and issues were brought up during the open facilitated discussions.

There was lengthy discussion on the motivation of farmers to subscribe / participate on group certification. Few participants reiterated that incentive is the key for motivation recalling the arrangement made for the Indian organic Aquaculture Project (IOAP) wherein the farmers were given 20% of the premium on the prevailing market price.

Hatchery operators strongly voiced the need for the support price for farm raised shrimp by the National Authorities and they were appraised on the difficulty to explore such thing under the present circumstances.


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Farmers of Gullalamoda mentioned that incentive could be like assistance towards electrification works, laying the approach road etc.,

It is stated that the presence of several certifications programme each with unique standard, frequent changes and requirements makes the certification process difficult to comprehend and setting up of National standards was suggested.

Representative of Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) mentioned that CAA is working on the standard setting of aquaculture inputs towards traceability.

Initiating the discussion on involving all the stake holders particularly the producers and the processors it was felt that the Indian market is yet to be ready to absorb the concept of certification that needs awareness & training programme.

It was pointed out that the organization of aqua societies by the small scale farmers has given them a voice and making their presence felt in the industry. It was suggested that the farmers need to be told as what to produce and how to sell keeping in view of the market demand. The need for elaborate extension work is in gearing up farmers to face the challenges in the competitive markets is emphasized and group certification is one such initiative. The need to bring in market awareness the so called market intelligence was voiced loud and clear.

The workshop recognized that in addition to MPEDA NaCSA NACA, other stakeholders should be actively involved in promoting the concept of BMP adoption through cluster management approach and in preparing small scale farmer groups to participate in future group certification schemes. This will ensure wider ownership of the program.

On the possibility of Certification programmes adopting few societies and working them, the participants were appraised that it will be seen as conflict of interest. However assistance could be provided in the form of training, on pre assessment of compliance, review of training manual, translation etc.,

6. Workshop recommendations: Considering the global developments with certification programs and the need

to

comply

with

mandatory

and

voluntary

standards,

the

workshop

strongly

recommended that MPEDA/NaCSA and NACA should continue the present work on group/cluster certification and provide technical support to small scale farmer clusters/societies in order to build their capacity and prepare them for participation in group certification programs in future.

Considering the importance of ICS in any group certification program, the workshop recommended that the project partners develop a strong training


15/16

program on ICS and implement the training in a structured manner so that the capacity of ICS committees is significantly strengthened

Recognizing the importance of BMP adoption through cluster management approach and the efficient functioning of ICS to comply with standards (mandatory and voluntary), the workshop recommended that the project partners implement a systematic compliance analysis program in place so that selected clusters can be monitored and evaluated for compliance to standards and compliance to ICS functioning.

Considering the globalization of trade coupled with consumers awareness on the product quality (food safety, traceability), need for responsible aquaculture (adoption of BMPs, reducing social and environmental impacts) and strategy on linking producers and processers towards efficient marketing of produce (win win business relationship) the workshop strongly recommended that small scale farmers must be linked to modern markets so as to remain competitive and sustainable

Recognizing the value of supply chain integration, role of processors, niche markets, ecosystem marketing concepts, etc, the workshop strongly recommended that NACA develop a long term project on linking small scale farmers to modern markets through group certification for funding consideration by MPEDA/NaCSA

Considering the need to motivate small scale farmers to prepare for group certification, the workshop suggested that as a promotional gesture in the initial stages, Government may consider incentives in the form of equipment, capital, and infrastructure for groups willing to participate in the project.

Recognizing the value of documents (e.g. group certification guidelines, road map for group certification, brochure, training manual on group certification, etc) produced under the project, the workshop recommended that the documents be made available widely within India and in the region. The workshop strongly endorsed the idea that NaCSA should use the documents in their ongoing programs to build capacity of clusters/societies on ICS functioning and group certification

The

workshop

strongly

recognized

the

need

for

other

key

stakeholders

(e.g.

ICAR institutions, Fisheries Colleges, CAA) to be more closely involved with MPEDA/NaCSA/NACA in promoting the concept of BMP adoption through group/cluster management approach and group certification programs so as to benefit the small scale farmers of India


16/16

Related suggestions/recommendations The workshop requested the intervention of National Agencies to focus on the

quality of inputs (seed in particular) as a pre requisite of successful and sustainable aquaculture thrust to be given to ensure the availability of SPF P.monodon PL in abundance especially during the months of February May at affordable price to small scale farmers. The supply of SPF P.monodon brood stock to hatcheries towards production of PL also needs to be explored.

With the number of Certification programme; each with its own standard that too keep changing constantly is a matter of concern for the small scale aqua farmers; in the long run, possibilities of setting up / formulation of a National standard may be explored with reflection of local characteristics.

The workshop requested the feed manufacturers and the hatchery operators to issue certificate regarding the feed / quality respectively mentioning that it is free of banned antibiotics and chemicals as such document of declaration is the proof of evidence on food safety and traceability during internal / external audits.

In addition to preparing small scale farmer groups for future group certification programs, the workshop suggested that farmer groups should also be prepared for disaster management planning to face the vagaries of Nature (floods, cyclone, draught, climate / weather changes)

7. Way forward: Keeping in view of lessons learnt from the pilot testing of group certification guidelines and the recommendations of the work shop, a concept project proposal on linking small scale producers to processors and modern markets is being prepared for submission to MPEDA for funding consideration.

8. Closing Session: Dr. C V Mohan proposed vote of thanks for all participated stakeholders for the enthusiasm shown and for the contribution made in making the workshop success. He sincerely hoped the continuance of project with the assistance and cooperation from project partners.

Final Workshop Report Nov

Documents

Transcript of Final Workshop Report Nov